This unit applies to modifications of electronic equipment including minor adjustments and alteration requirements through to experimental and development modifications of a complex nature and can include replacement and/or alterations of system equipment, sub-assemblies, PCBs and components etc. on analog and digital electronic equipment and systems.

Where drafting skills are required, then Unit MEM09003B (Prepare basic engineering drawing) or Unit MEM09004B (Perform electrical/electronic detail drafting) should be considered.

Unit MEM05002B (Perform high reliability soldering and desoldering) must also be selected if soldering of components is required to advanced or military specifications, where the reliability of electrical connections is critical, or where surface mounted devices are being soldered/de-soldered.

This unit has dual status and is to be regarded as both a Specialisation band A unit and Specialisation band B unit for progression to C5 (AQF level V).

Band: A

Unit Weight: 4

Path 1

MEM12004B

Perform precision electrical/electronic measurement

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

MEM18056B

Diagnose and repair analog equipment and components

MEM18065B

Diagnose and repair digital equipment and components

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Modify equipment

1.1. Modification requirements are determined and understood by reference to circuit diagrams, schematics, equipment manuals and /or consultation with technical authority where appropriate.

1.2. Equipment is isolated to standard operational procedures.

1.3. Equipment is removed from system, if required, using correct and appropriate techniques and equipment.

1.4. Modification is carried out to equipment/sub-assembly/component in accordance with specifications or application requirements using correct and appropriate techniques and equipment.

1.5. Sub-assembly is refitted to equipment, if required, using correct and appropriate techniques and equipment.

2. Return equipment to service

2.1. Where required, circuit diagrams, schematics, equipment manuals etc. are amended to reflect modifications undertaken.

2.2. Checks and tests are undertaken to specifications using correct and appropriate techniques, test equipment and tools.

2.3. Equipment/system is recommissioned using correct and appropriate techniques and procedures.

2.4. Equipment/system is checked for operational compliance with specifications.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

obtaining relevant circuit diagrams, schematics, manuals

isolating, tagging and verifying isolated equipment

removing and refitting sub-assembly/equipment from the system

carrying out modifications to specification

amending circuit diagrams, schematics, equipment manuals, specifications affected by the modifications

recommissioning electronic equipment

testing, checking modified electronic equipment to ensure conformance to specifications

entering routine and familiar information onto proforma and standard workplace forms

locating, reading and interpreting information on written job instructions, specifications, drawings, charts, lists and other reference documentation

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

system concept including software/hardware systems, feasibility analysis and circuit analysis

diagnostic skills and implications relative to the modification

modification requirements

sources of technical advice

procedures for isolating and removing equipment from the system

specifications applicable to the modification

permits/approvals required

tools and equipment necessary to carry out the modification

specialised fitting requirements

the electronic equipment specifications

procedures and test equipment application

procedures for recommissioning electronic equipment

operational specification of the equipment/system

safe work practices and procedures

relevant hazards and control measures related to the competency

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to modify electronic equipment. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with modifying electronic equipment, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Modifications

Minor adjustments and alterations requirement to experimental and development modifications of a complex nature and can include replacement and /or alterations of system equipment, sub-assemblies, PCBs and components on analog and digital electronic systems

Test equipment

Continuity testers, ammeters, voltmeters, cathode ray oscilloscopes, frequency counters, signal generators, digital probes etc.

Unit sector

Maintenance and diagnostics

This unit contains employability skills.